The fourth annual Clontarf Billy Cart Derby brought together 28 boys from seven Northern Territory academies for a memorable day at Bunnings Palmerston. Supported by partners, community leaders and special guests, the event was once again a highlight on the Clontarf calendar.
Academy members from Driver, Rosebery, Haileybury, Dripstone, Nightcliff, Sanderson and Taminmin took part in this year’s Derby. In the lead-up to the event, each academy spent time designing and building its own billy cart. The challenge was to create something that reflected their academy and the boys involved.
The day was full of colour, energy and friendly competition. Academy members arrived in costumes, proudly presented their carts and cheered each other on throughout the races.
Rosebery Academy Year 7 academy member Noah was behind the wheel for his team and said the opportunity to race alongside boys from other academies was a highlight.
“It was fun. We got to see people from other academies try their best in the races and see everyone give it a go,” Noah said.
“I was the driver and I was able to drive all over the track that Bunnings made. I had heaps of fun.”
Fellow Rosebery Academy member Keenan, Year 9, said he particularly enjoyed seeing the work that had gone into the different carts.
“I enjoyed seeing the other Clontarf boys’ carts and how they made them look. It was cool to see them showing off their carts,” Keenan said.
“Getting to race them was so much fun. Seeing all the important people and getting photos with them was great.”
After a strong day on the track, Haileybury took out the Derby and capped off a great effort from the team.
Now in its fourth year, the Clontarf Billy Cart Derby continues to grow. Held in partnership with Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation and Bunnings Palmerston, the event brings together academy members, staff, partners and the wider community.
It also gives the boys the chance to work as a team, be creative and take pride in something they have built themselves.
Clontarf NT Zone Manager Shaun Cusack said the Derby had become a much-anticipated event, giving academy members the chance to work together outside the classroom and enjoy the experience with staff, partners and the wider community.
“Every year the boys really get behind this event,” Shaun said. “There’s plenty of fun and competition on the day, but a lot of work goes into it beforehand as well. They have to come up with an idea, build their cart and work together as a team, so it’s great to see the pride they take in what they produce.
“We’re also very fortunate to have the support of Ironbark, Bunnings and our other partners. Having them involved, along with so many community and government representatives, makes it a really positive day for the boys.”
A strong group of guests also joined the day. They included the Hon Lia Finocchiaro MLA, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, and the Hon Jo Hersey MLA, Minister for Education and Training.
The Hon Marie-Clare Boothby MLA, Attorney-General, also attended alongside other MLAs. NT Department of Education representative Katrina Sadowski, Palmerston Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell and Larrakia Nation Deputy CEO Victor Williams were also there to support the event.
A sincere thank you goes to Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation and Bunnings Palmerston for their continued support of the Derby. We also thank Goodman Fielder for providing catering for the barbecue.
Clontarf partners Aurizon, Winc, BMD Group and APA Group also supported the day, along with everyone who helped make the event such a success for the boys, staff and community.
The Billy Cart Derby is about much more than racing. It celebrates teamwork, creativity and confidence, and has become an event the boys and staff look forward to each year.
